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Doctors play an important role in our lives and in our community. A really good doctor knows his or her patients and is able to help to guide them in staying healthy. 

Personally, I am diabetic and my doctor does his best to keep me on the straight and narrow. He is top notch and has the most excellent bedside manner. Many groan and put off seeing the doctor, but my doctor is a joy and he easily puts a smile on my face. 

He has never chastised me for my stress levels or working too much or if my blood sugar numbers stray a little. He doesn’t complain when I ask questions. Under his care my blood sugar levels have been normal for almost two years.

My doctor is the best and to him, I say “thank you.”  

March 30 is Doctors’ Day, and it is an opportunity to take time to say thank you to the doctors that care for us. Granted, most people can’t publicly say thank you in a newspaper column, but there are several things that can be done.

Make a contribution in his/her name – Find out if your doctor has a favorite charity, cause or service group and make a donation. The cause could be medical in nature or a group that helps the community, children or women. The possibilities are endless.

Send a thank you note – Take a few minutes and write out your thanks. It will be memorable and special because it isn’t an everyday occurrence. 

Recommend their service – When someone you know is looking for a doctor, be sure to give a referral. This can also be done on social media.

Special treats –If you are a baker, you can bake some cookies. If you have a garden, you can bring some fresh fruits or vegetables. Treats can homemade or store bought. A cute basket of things that can be shared with the staff can brighten anyone’s day.

Flowers or a plant – Sending flowers or a plant either from a florist or, again, from your garden, is a thoughtful gift.   

One of the articles I read was written with children in mind. It suggested creating a drawing or a special art project for the doctor.

A quick call to say thanks – if all else fails, a quick phone call to your doctor’s office relaying your thanks is  a great way to let them know you are thinking of them.

Regardless of which option you choose, it will be greatly appreciated. 

About Doctors’ Day: It is observed on March 30. The first Doctors’ Day observance was in 1933, by the Barrow County Alliance, in Winder, Georgia. The idea was conceived by Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, and occurred on the anniversary of the first administration of anesthesia by Dr. Crawford W. Long in Jefferson, Georgia, in 1842. 

In 1990, legislation was introduced in the House and Senate to establish a national Doctors’ Day. Following overwhelming approval, President George Bush signed S.J. RES. #366 (which became Public Law 101-473) designating March 30 as “National Doctors’ Day”: For more information visit https://sma.org/about-sma/national-doctors-day/#tab-history-of-doctors-day.Public Law 101-473) designating March 30 as “National Doctors’ Day”: For more information visit https://sma.org/about-sma/national-doctors-day/#tab-history-of-doctors-day.